Evidence supporting the use of: Barbasco
For the body system: Adrenal Cortex

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Barbasco is a common name for several plants, most notably species in the genus Dioscorea (wild yam), especially Dioscorea mexicana and Dioscorea composita. Traditionally, these plants have been used by indigenous peoples in Central and South America for a variety of purposes, including as a fish poison and in folk medicine. The root of wild yam, or barbasco, is a rich source of diosgenin, a steroidal saponin that can be chemically converted in laboratories into corticosteroids and other steroid hormones, including those produced by the adrenal cortex. However, the body cannot convert diosgenin into hormones like cortisol or DHEA on its own; this conversion only occurs industrially. The use of barbasco to "support" the adrenal cortex in humans is rooted in traditional and naturopathic practices, where wild yam extracts are sometimes promoted for hormone balance and adrenal health. However, there is little to no direct scientific evidence that barbasco or wild yam directly affects adrenal cortex function or hormone production when consumed as an herbal supplement. The traditional use relates more to its historical role as a precursor for pharmaceutical steroid synthesis rather than a proven physiological effect. Thus, while barbasco has a traditional association with hormone-related use, scientific validation for adrenal support is lacking.

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